An angry discussion followed; and one of the offenders was provoked into making an allusion to the stories which were current about both Seymour and the Speaker.

"It is undoubtedly improper to talk while a bill is under discussion; but it is much worse to take money for getting a bill passed.

If we are extreme to mark a slight breach of form, how severely ought we to deal with that corruption which is eating away the very substance of our institutions!" That was enough; the spark had fallen; the train was ready; the explosion was immediate and terrible.

After a tumultuous debate in which the cry of "the Tower" was repeatedly heard, Wharton managed to carry his point.

Before the House rose a committee was appointed to examine the books of the City of London and of the East India Company.